Channel 4 Greenlights Second Series of Acclaimed Show "The Jury"

Image: Ch4 press

By Jon Donnis

Channel 4 has confirmed the recommissioning of its hit factual entertainment series, "The Jury," for a second series. The first series, "The Jury: Murder Trial," achieved significant success both critically and in terms of viewership. Including repeats, the series garnered an impressive 6.3 million viewers across linear and streaming platforms, with 37% of its audience coming from video on demand (VOD). The show particularly resonated with younger audiences, with 21% of its 16-34 viewership coming from Channel 4 streaming alone over a 28-day period.

Produced by Screendog Productions, the forthcoming series will continue to delve into the intricacies of the judicial process by recreating real court cases from original transcripts. Two randomly assigned juries will receive identical evidence and presentations, tasked with delivering their verdicts independently. This innovative format aims to explore whether different juries can reach the same conclusions and reflect on the factors influencing their decisions. The producers are keen to see if individual jurors feel they delivered a fair verdict or if they were swayed by specific elements of the trial.

The first series received widespread critical acclaim, with The i paper awarding it five stars and praising it as a profound and thought-provoking experiment. The Guardian hailed it as potentially "the most terrifying TV series ever." Ed Kellie, Creative Director for Screendog Productions, expressed excitement about the recommissioning, promising another season filled with suspense and critical examination of the justice system. The second series will consist of four one-hour episodes, with Ed Kellie as the Executive Producer and the showrunner yet to be confirmed. The series was commissioned by Alisa Pomeroy, Head of Documentaries and Factual Entertainment at Channel 4, alongside Ian Dunkley, Commissioning Editor for Factual Entertainment.